Spring forecast: Canada’s scenic route from winter to summer

The Weather Network released its March–May spring forecast, saying most of Canada will see near‑normal or colder temperatures in March and April while May remains a wild card that could bring an abrupt shift toward early summer in parts of the country.

La Niña and a strong polar vortex helped shape a variable winter across Canada, and The Weather Network has issued its spring forecast for March through May. The forecaster describes spring as a "scenic route" this year, with detours and occasional returns to winter before an eventual move toward summer. Across the country forecasters expect near‑normal or colder temperatures for much of March and April, and precipitation that is near or above normal through at least April. May is identified as uncertain, with the potential for a rapid transition to early summer conditions in some areas. Forecast highlights: - National: Most of Canada is forecast to see near‑normal or colder temperatures in March and April, with near‑normal or above‑normal precipitation through April; May remains a wild card. - Ontario & Quebec: A slow start to spring is expected, extending ski seasons and delaying the growing season, with above‑normal precipitation particularly through April. - British Columbia: After an early false start, March and much of April are expected to be near or cooler than seasonal with above‑normal precipitation; May could bring a sudden shift to summer‑like weather in places. - The Prairies: Following an interrupted winter with an extended thaw, colder‑than‑normal conditions are likely through much of April with above‑normal precipitation (including snow); a warmer, drier pattern is forecast to develop in May, especially in Alberta. - Atlantic Canada: A typical, changeable spring is expected with an active storm track and near‑normal precipitation totals, including the occasional late winter‑like event. - Northern Canada: Nunavut is expected to be warmer than normal, other northern areas near normal except some southeastern Yukon and southwestern NWT locations that may be cooler; precipitation is generally near normal. Summary: The forecast suggests a spring featuring variability across regions, with colder or near‑normal conditions in March and April for much of Canada and precipitation near to above normal through April. Impacts noted include extended ski seasons and potential delays to the start of the growing season in parts of the country, while May may bring a stronger and sometimes abrupt shift toward warmer, drier conditions in some regions. Complete forecast details, regional maps and charts are made available by The Weather Network, and its meteorologists were listed as available for interviews between February 25 and 27.